The management of the University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University, has dismissed reports suggesting that a recent amnesty granted to some students involved in examination malpractice was driven by political motives.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Dr. Habib Yakoob, Acting Director of Information and University Relations, described the reports as misleading and entirely false. He clarified that the decision was reached in good faith by the University Senate during its 189th Regular Meeting, held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
According to Yakoob, the amnesty applies to students alleged to have engaged in exam misconduct between the 2020/2021 academic session and the first semester of 2024/2025. He explained that the Senate’s decision was based on recommendations from the Central Examination Misconduct Committee and aligned with the powers granted by the University of Abuja Act (Section 19, Subsection 1).
“The attention of the university has been drawn to inaccurate reports about the amnesty granted to some students,” Yakoob stated. “Management wishes to reiterate that the institution is deeply committed to due process, transparency, and compliance with all academic and regulatory standards, including those set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).”
He stressed that the claim suggesting the decision was made to favour a particular group or serve political interests is baseless. “The amnesty beneficiaries are drawn from various faculties and academic levels, and no specific individuals or groups were targeted,” he added.
While reaffirming the university’s commitment to maintaining academic discipline, Yakoob noted that the University Senate, as the highest academic authority, has the discretion to review or intervene in pending cases to ensure fair and timely resolution.
“The university assures all stakeholders that its decisions are firmly guided by transparency, integrity, and a commitment to academic excellence and public trust,” he concluded.
